Sat. 11/5: Chicago Wind Nationals 2, Hoffman United 0 Nicki put the Wind up 1-0 in the first half when she put intense pressure on the Hoffman defense, stole the ball and then blasted the ball into the net from a sharp angle on the left-hand side of the goal area. Claire gave the Wind an insurance goal when she pressed up the field with the ball in the Hoffman end, pounced on a loose ball that came out off the goal box area and scored on what has become her signature play this season -- a booming, long-distance shot above the goalie's head and just underneath the crossbar. The Wind did not allow a shot on goal in the first half. Katherine made five saves in the second half. Noteworthy efforts were turned in by Montana (her usual rock-solid, mistake-free effort from her sweeper position), Olivia (also a strong presence on defense), Rachel (several excellent passes late in the game that came very close to setting up goals), Jessica (several shots on goal), Marley and Stephanie (who took turns patroling the middle of the field), Sia (who provided quality energy off the bench in the first half when the Wind seemed a bit sluggish) and Cara (a solid game off the bench on defense). Back Index Page 420: Beth & Rachel's Sister Prepared for Weather 421: Rachel On A Corner Kick 422: Nickie's Goal 423: Jessie 424: Marley 425: Jessie 426: Montana 427: Katherine Did Not Have To Do Much Today In Goal 428: Cara Back Index Page 429: Stephanie 430: Rachel & Sia